Mobile casino jackpot payment reporting system with secure email form reporting to customer

ABSTRACT

Relative to a gaming system, a jackpot or game win processing device and server are configured to receive acknowledgement from a player regarding a gaming win award, such as input to the game win processing device of a signature by the player to gaming win forms. In response, the server is configured to generate at least one gaming win reporting form, such as a W2G, to generate a security code from at least two elements of personal information regarding the player, such as obtained from a casino player tracking server, to then secure the at the least one reporting form and then email the secure form to the player.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/739,841, filed Oct. 1, 2018, which prior application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to casino gaming systems and methods ofpaying jackpots and preparing associated jackpot reports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Casino winnings may be paid in different manners. For example, relativeto a gaming machine which is capable of dispensing monetary winnings ora monetary value ticket or the like, the winnings may be directlyawarded and then dispensed to the player. As one example, a player mightwin $500. Those winnings might be associated with the monetary valuecredit meter at the gaming machine. The player might then elect tocash-out that balance, including the winnings, as either coins dispensedat the machine or, in most modern gaming machines, a monetary valueticket which can be redeemed.

A casino may desire, however, to validate larger jackpot. In that event,the gaming machine may report a jackpot win to the casino gaming system.However, the jackpot winnings may not be awarded until casino personnelvalidate the win.

In addition, some jurisdictions like the U.S. require that a casinoreport player winnings over certain thresholds. For example, relative toa gaming machine, this threshold is currently $1200 in the U.S. In asituation where a player wins more than $1200.00, the casino willgenerally require the player to complete a jackpot winnings form whichthe casino can then use to report the jackpot win to the InternalRevenue Service of the U.S. government. This form, called a W2G in theU.S., includes information regarding the amount of the win and theplayer's identity (such as their name and social security number and thelike).

One problem for casinos is that the player must later submit a copy ofthe tax reporting form with their tax return. Thus, a casino mustgenerally provide a copy of the tax reporting form to the player, suchas in the form of a receipt. However, players often lose their copy ofthe form. At tax filing time (usually April 15 of each year in theU.S.), players often bombard casinos with requests for copies of theirtax reporting forms. In addition, these forms often include sensitivepersonal information, such that exposure of the information associatedwith the form can be damaging.

A new method of providing players with jackpot win forms, such asofficial game win tax reporting forms, is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems for generatingand securely transmitting gaming win reporting forms to a player. In oneembodiment, the method and system generates and securely transmits W2Ggaming win IRS reporting forms to the player.

In one embodiment, in the event of a game win that requires reporting ofthe award, a player's acknowledgement is preferably received at a mobilejackpot reporting device. The device may be operated by an attendant andbe configured to receive the signature of the player.

The acknowledgement is transmitted from the reporting device to ajackpot or gaming win processing server. The server may be configured togenerate one or more reporting forms. Preferably, the server generates asecurity code from at least two elements of personal informationregarding the player. The personal information may be collected from theplayer, such as via the reporting device, or from a remote source, suchas the player's player tracking account stored at a remote casinoserver. Alternatively, the security code might be obtained from theplayer via input to the reporting device.

The server preferably utilizes the security code to secure the one ormore reporting forms. For example, the security code may be utilized asa password relative to password protection of the forms, or be used inencrypting the forms. The one or more secured forms are then emailed tothe player, whereby the forms may be accessed by the player by using thesecurity code they provided or by generating the code from their knownpersonal information.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart which illustrates one embodiment of a process ofthe invention;

FIGS. 3-9 illustrate screen displays in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming machine which may form aportion of the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems for generatingjackpot reports for winning casino game wagers and for securelytransmitting generated reporting forms to the winners.

One embodiment of a system 20 of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1.The system 20 includes a casino gaming system C. This system C mayinclude a plurality of gaming devices, such as one or more gamingmachines 22 which are described below in more detail. The casino gamingsystem C may include other types of gaming devices such as gaming tablesand the like, at which one or more games, and preferably wager-basedgames which offer a play the opportunity for winnings, are presented.

The casino gaming system C may include a wide variety of other featuresor elements. For example, the casino gaming system C may include one ormore casino servers 24. The casino server 24 may comprise one or moreprocessors or controllers, at least one communication device orinterface, a database or other data storage device, and one or moreadditional memory or data storage devices (such as separate from thedatabase). In one or more embodiments, the processor(s) is configured toexecute one or more instructions, such as in the form of machinereadable code (i.e. “software”), to allow the server 24 to performvarious functionality, such as the functionality described herein. Thesoftware is preferably non-transitory, such as by being fixed in atangible medium. For example, the software may be stored in the one ormore memory devices. One or more of the memory devices may be read-only.In addition, the software may be stored on a removable medium in someembodiments. In general, the one or more memory devices are used astemporary storage. For example, the one or more memory devices may berandom access memory or cache memory used to temporarily store some userinformation and/or instructions for execution by the at least oneprocessor.

The software may comprise one or more modules or blocks of machinereadable code. Each module may be configured to implement particularfunctionality when executed by the one or more processors, and thevarious modules may work together to provide overall integratedfunctionality. Of course, in certain embodiments, it is also possiblefor various of the functionality to be implemented as hardware, i.e. aprocessor or chip which is particularly designed to implement various ofthe functionality described herein.

In one embodiment, the casino server 24 may include (or be linkedcommunicatively at one or more times to) one or more input and/or outputdevices, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, video display or thelike, whereby the processor may receive information from an operator orservicer of the server 24 and/or output information thereto. Thisallows, for example, an operator of the server 24 to interface with theserver 24 to upgrade, maintain, monitor, etc., it. In other embodiments,an operator might interface with the server 24 via a separateworkstation or other device.

In one embodiment, the processor and other elements of the server 24 maybe linked and thus communicate over one or more communication buses. Inthis manner, for example, the processor may read/receive software fromthe memory for execution, receive inputs and provide outputs to thevarious I/O devices, receive information from or output information toexternal devices via the communication interface, etc. The one or morecommunication devices or interfaces permit the server 24 to communicatewith the gaming machines 22 or other gaming devices, and preferablyexternal devices, networks, systems and the like.

The casino server 24 may be configured to implement a variety offunctionality (and/or there may be a plurality of different serverswhich each implement different functionality). For example, the casinoserver(s) 24 may implement player tracking functionality, accountingfunctionality, gaming functionality and the like. As one example, thecasino may have a player rewards club which is implemented via a playertracking system. The casino server 24 may create and store playertracking account information (such as in the one or more databases whichare associated with or accessible to the casino server 24), such asaccounts which are associated with a particular player and includeinformation about the player, such as player identity information (suchmay comprise, but is not limited to the player's name, address, phonenumber, email address, social security number or the like) and game playinformation. The game play information may be obtained from the gamingmachines 22 or other gaming devices, such as by those devices reportingthe player's game play information to the server 24 (such informationmay comprise, for example, number of games played, wagers made, winningsawarded, etc.). As is known, the player may be issued a player trackingcard or other identifier which the player can use to identify themselves(and which is linked to their account). This identifier may be used,such as at the gaming machine 22, to identify the player so that theplayer's game play information can be matched or linked to theiraccount. The casino may issue rewards to the player or the like basedupon the player's game play (separate from winnings paid to the playerfor winning game outcomes).

Of course, the casino server(s) 24 might implement other functionality.As indicated, this might comprise accounting functionality. Theaccounting functionality might include tracking of wagers made andwinnings paid at the gaming machines 22. In the case of a gaming systemwhich includes the issuance of monetary value tickets or the like, thecasino server 24 may generate ticket data, validate tickets and thelike.

The system 20 may further comprise a vendor system V. The vendor systemV may be a jackpot processing system. The vendor system V may beconfigured to aid in the generation and/or processing of data orinformation associated with payment and reporting of casino winnings (inthis regard, while the term “jackpot” is used, such a term is notlimited to a particular type or amount of winnings; as noted above,winnings may be required to reported, such as to one or moregovernmental entities or the like, at various levels or amounts, eventhose winnings may or may not be designated as jackpot wins in thegame).

In one embodiment, the vendor system V may include one or more attendantdevices 26 and one or more jackpot processing servers 28. The attendantdevices 26 might comprise computing or communication devices. In apreferred embodiment, the attendant devices 26 are mobile or portablecommunication devices such as a tablet (but could comprise a laptopcomputer, a smart phone/PDA or the like). The attendant devices 26 maybe general purpose devices which operate software for performing theparticular functionality herein, but they could be special purpose orspecially adapted devices. Such a device may comprise a controller orprocessor, a communication interface, a memory device (such as forstoring machine readable code or “software” for execution by theprocessor, such as in the form of a downloaded software application), aninput/output interface (such as for receiving input from a touch-screen,one or more buttons or the device or the like), and at least one videodisplay. Preferably, the attendant devices 26 are capable of receivinguser input—preferably including a player's signature, transmitting dataand receiving data (such as via a communication interface), anddisplaying information or data, such as via their associated videodisplays.

The vendor system 28 may also include one or more jackpot processingservers 28. These servers 28 may be similar to the casino server(s) 24noted above (such as including a processor, memory, communicationinterface, etc.). The jackpot processing server 28 preferably runs orexecutes software for implementing the functionality described herein.As further described below, the jackpot processing server 28 may beconfigured to implement or run an email application for transmitting oneor more emails 32 over a network such as the Internet 30 to one or morecustomers. These emails 32 may include secure forms 34.

Additional aspects of the invention will be described with reference toFIG. 2, which is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method or processin accordance with the invention. In a step S1, a notification of agaming machine jackpot is reported and/or received. As one example, aplayer may play a gaming machine 22 such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1and 10. The player may obtain a winning game outcome. The winningoutcome and/or associated award may be reported, such as by the gamingmachine 22 to the casino server 24. If the winning game outcome has anaward over a designated amount, then either the gaming machine 22 and/orcasino server 24 may detect or flag the outcome or award as requiringsecondary validation, reporting or the like.

In one embodiment, the jackpot event is reported from the casino server24 (although it might be reported directly from the gaming machine 22 orother gaming device) to the vendor's jackpot processing server 28.Casino personnel (such as a jackpot attendant) are also alerted to thejackpot win, such as by the casino server 24 and/or vendor jackpotprocessing server 28 sending a notification to the attendant device 26.If the attendant is not already logged in, the attendant may log intothe device (such as by providing a user name and password). Thenotification might comprise an alert that a jackpot has been received ata particular gaming machine 22 within the casino and that jackpotconfirmation is required by an attendant.

In one embodiment, one or more jackpot processing or game win relatedforms may be displayed to the attendant. For example, the jackpotprocessing server 28 may cause the attendant device 26 to display theforms. These forms may be transmitted to the attendant device 26, suchas from the jackpot processing server 28 and/or reside on the device,where those forms are preferably populated with information. Theinformation which is used to populate the forms may be stored by orobtained by the jackpot processing server 28 (either directly or asgathered from the casino server 24 and/or the attendant device 26), asin step S2. For example, the forms may include a W2G form which ispopulated with information regarding the player and the amount of thewinnings (the information regarding the amount of the winnings and theplayer may be obtained, for example, by the jackpot processing server 28from the casino server 24, including based upon the player's casinorewards account). The forms might alternatively comprise or include ajackpot payment receipt or other gaming win reporting form (which mightbe required by or requested by a gaming regulatory agency, othergovernmental agency, the casino or the like).

As noted, while the jackpot processing server 28 may obtain informationfrom the casino server 24 or other sources, the information might beobtained by input to the attendant device 26. For example, the attendantmay manually gather information from the player or have the player enterthe information into the attendant device 26 in order to complete therequired forms (which as noted may include government required reportingforms, casino release forms or other documents). For example, if theplayer does not have a player tracking account, the attendant may needto obtain information regarding the player's identity directly (such asone or more of the player's name, Social Security number, address,telephone number, email address, etc.).

As one example, when the attendant is notified of the jackpot, theattendant may travel to the gaming machine 22 which triggered thejackpot. The attendant may be prompted to confirm or obtain certaininformation. For example, the attendant may be prompted to confirm thatthe gaming machine 22 is showing a win matching the one reported to thesystem. The attendant may also be prompted to input or confirm certaininformation, such as basic player information, withholding data and thelike. At this point, initial information provided by the attendant maybe used by the jackpot processing server 28 to prepare and populate adraft of the gaming win forms. As noted, the forms may be generated incombination with player information obtained by the jackpot processingserver 28 from other sources, such as the casino server 24. Once theinitial draft of the form are prepared, they are preferably transmittedto the attendant's attendant device 26. At this time, the attendantand/or player may confirm the information which is displayed and, asappropriate, provide any missing information or update any incorrectinformation.

In one embodiment, once the forms are complete, the attendant capturesthe player's signature (directly onto the forms or for association withthe forms), as in step S3. This may comprise having the player sign viaa touchscreen of the attendant device 26 or by providing other input(such as by the player accepting an e-signature). The completed form(s)or associated information is then transmitted from the attendant device26 back to the jackpot processing server 28, as in step S4. The jackpotprocessing server 28 may store the completed forms, such as inassociation with one or more transaction records, may transmit the formsto the casino, and/or may transmit the forms to the appropriateauthorities (such as the IRS). Also, once the forms have been completed,if the jackpot is a ‘hand pay’ jackpot, the attendant may be notifiedthat the jackpot can be paid or issued. In one embodiment, the player'ssignature may be associated with one or more of the forms. For example,in order to protect the casino, the casino may require the player toprovide their signature relative to one or more forms or authorizationsby which the player acknowledges that their identity information iscorrect, that they have been paid in full for the awarded jackpot, orother acknowledgements.

In some embodiment, not all forms may be displayed and sent back andforth between the attendant device 26 and the jackpot processing serer28 as described above. For example, in one embodiment, the attendantmight input or confirm jackpot and player information via the attendantdevice 26. The jackpot processing server 28 might initially transmit orcause the attendant device 26 to display a jackpot form to the player,which form includes information regarding the player, the jackpot, taxinformation (such as withholding basis and amounts) and the like. Theplayer might sign that form and, in response to receiving the completedjackpot form, the jackpot processing server 28 might then generateofficial reporting forms, such as required reporting forms for gamingregulators and tax forms such as the W2G.

In a step S5, if not already done (such as in step S2) the jackpotprocessing server 28 preferably collects personal information regardingthe player. This information may be obtained from the casino server 24.Alternatively or in combination, the information might be obtained fromthe player, such as based upon information that the player provided tothe attendant and which was input to the attendant device 26. Thisinformation may comprise one or more of the player's name, address,phone number, email address, Social Security number and the like.

In a step S6, a security code is preferably generated from the player'spersonal information (such as by software code executed by the jackpotprocessing server 28). The security code may comprise all or portions ofone or more player identification elements, such as all or part of theplayer's name, address, telephone number and social security number. Asone example, the player's information might comprise: John Doe; 111 MainStreet, Las Vegas, Nev., 89101; Telephone 555-444-3333; Social Securitynumber 999-88-7777. The security code might comprise, for example:JDOE1117777, comprising the first letter of the player's first name, thelast name of the player, the street number and the last four digits oftheir social security number. Of course, various combinations of theplayer's information may be used. Preferably, the information which isused to create the security code is associated with the player, is knownto the player, and at least part of the information is preferablygenerally not known to third parties (such as the player's socialsecurity number).

In a step S7, the reporting forms are preferably secured using thesecurity code. This may comprise, for example, using the security codeas a password for a secure PDF document or using the security code as apassword for other types of documents or for use in generating othertypes of security elements which generally prevent access to the formswithout providing the required security code. For example, the securitycode could be used to create an encryption key which is used to encryptthe form or data, and which code can be used by the user to create a keywhich can decrypt the data.

In a step S8, the one or more secure forms are preferably electronicallytransmitted to the player. Preferably, this comprises emailing of thesecure forms to the player. The email may include the one or more secureforms as an attachment. The body of the email may include instructionsto the player regarding how to access the forms using the security code.For example, relative to using a security code to unlock a PDF document,the instructions might say: to open the attached forms, please enter thesecurity code that is the first letter of your first name, your lastname, your street number and the last four digits of your socialsecurity number. Such an email might be transmitted via an email programwhich runs on the jackpot processing server 28 or an associated device.In a preferred embodiment, the email is transmitted from an account ofthe casino (and not the vendor), such as by the jackpot processingserver 28 transmitting the secure form or email information to thecasino server 24 for processing/transmission.

Of course, the completed/processed forms might also be provided to otherentities. For example, the jackpot processing server 28 may transmitcompleted reporting forms to the IRS, gaming authorities or like (eitherdirectly, or by providing such forms to the casino, such as via thecasino server 24) for reporting.

It will be appreciated that the process illustrated in FIG. 2 anddescribed above is one embodiment of the invention and various of thesteps might be performed in different orders and/or that the processmight include other steps, including additional steps.

Preferably, in accordance with the invention, the process of storing thecompleted form(s) and/or generating associated reporting forms isautomated, as are the steps of generating the security code fromcollected player information, securing the form(s) and transmitting thesecured forms to the player.

In another embodiment of the invention, step S6 may comprise collectinga security code from the player. In this embodiment, as part of theprocess of completing the forms (such as part of step S3), the playermight be instructed to generate or input a password. The player mightthen select a particular password and enter it into the attendant device26. The password may then be forwarded to the jackpot processing server28. In that event, step S5 may be omitted or the jackpot processingserver 28 may still gather player information, such as the player'semail address if that information is not already known or stored. Thenin step S7, the reporting forms are preferably secured using thesecurity code that was generated and/or inputted by the player. When thesecure reporting forms are emailed to the client in step S8, the emailmay remind the player that the forms may be accessed using the passwordwhich the player provided to the casino attendant at the time thejackpot reporting forms were completed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the secure document or formmight be transmitted to the player via means other than an email. In onealternate embodiment of the invention, such as where the player's phonenumber is known (such as from their player tracking account) or iscollected from the player, the document or form might be transmitted tothe player's mobile phone/tablet or the like via text message (such astransmitted from the jackpot processing server 28 or the attendantdevice 26). In yet another embodiment, the secure document or form mightbe transmitted directly to the player's device via a wirelesscommunication link, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, such as from attendantdevice 26 (for example, in one embodiment, the jackpot processing server28 may generate the documents or forms and secure them and then transmitthem to the attendant device 26, at which point the attendant maytransmit the documents or forms to the player's device).

A particular advantage of the invention is that a player is providedwith an electronic copy of jackpot related forms, such as a generatedW2G document. This avoids the need for the player to later request acopy of the form from the casino. More importantly, the jackpot relatedforms are transmitted in a protected format, whereby any sensitiveinformation associated with the form(s) is secured (both duringtransport of the form(s) to the player and at the player's mailbox),such as by having the forms secured with a password, encryption or thelike. Thus, the player does not risk dropping a printed form that bearstheir personal information in a casino or having an electronic formintercepted by a third party.

In one embodiment, the generated secured forms may also be stored sothat a player can later re-request the forms in an automated fashion forautomated response. In that event, the vendor or casino might operate aweb portal which allows the player to make a request for the casino orvendor to resend the forms. The previously generated and transmittedsecure forms might then be obtained, such as from electronic files whichare accessible based on the player's identity and the secured formsmight then be re-transmitted to the player automatically by the system.

Another aspect of the invention is the use of an attendant controlledattendant device 26. In many cases, despite the attempt to fullyautomate the form generation process, one or more elements of requiredinformation may not be available for generating the form(s) (such asfrom the player tracking database, etc.). In accordance with theinvention, an attendant an interact with the player in real-time inorder to directly obtain any missing information in order to immediatelycomplete the forms. Moreover, the attendant can use the device 26 toobtain a player's acknowledgement—preferably in the form of theirsignature—as to various aspects of the transaction.

Another advantage to the use of the attendant and a mobile attendantdevice 26 is that the attendant may also directly verify the player'sidentity, such as by viewing the player's driver's license or other ID.For example, a minor might utilize their father's player tracking cardand play a gaming machine. When a jackpot is won, the system mayassociate the win with the father. The attendant may request the ID ofthe player and determine that the player is not the father, but isinstead a minor—at which point the jackpot may be voided. In otherembodiments, the attendant may use the attendant device 26 to view theplayer information which is associated with the forms and compare thatinformation to directly gathered information, such as the player's fullname and address on their driver's license. For example, the attendantmay see that the address which is associated with the forms is differentthan the address which is on the player's drivers license. The attendantmay thus confirm with the player which address is their current address(for example, the address in the player tracking database may be out ofdate) and then update the address into the device 26, such as to updateit in the forms (and potentially in the player tracking database). Inone embodiment, the attendant might be requested to verify the player'sidentity at the beginning of the process.

For example, when the attendant travels to the gaming machine 22, theymay be required to confirm the amount of the jackpot and the machineserial number and also an identity of the player. As noted, theattendant might review player identification, or input identityinformation (such as a Social Security number) or scan an identificationcard (such as with a card reader or optical reader/image capture deviceof the attendant device 26. This information may be used by the jackpotprocessing server 28 to confirm the identity of the player and/or thatthey are entitled to be awarded the jackpot (such as based upon theirage, if they are on a banned player list, etc.). Of course, verificationmight be accomplished by processing this information remotely. Forexample, the attendant device 26 and/or jackpot processing server 28might transmit a driver's license ID scan to a remote service whichprovides a confirmation (such as via interface with state ID systems)that the ID is valid and of the player's identification. Preferably, thecollected player identification information and verification results arestored, such as in a database associated with the jackpot processingserver 28.

FIGS. 3-9 illustrate additional aspects of the invention. FIG. 3illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface which may bedisplayed by the attendant device 26. This interface is an “edit patron”interface which allows the attendant to confirm the player's informationand/or update the player's information and provide other information.The interface may be populated with basic information provided by thejackpot processing server 28. The attendant may then update or addinformation. For example, if the system does not have a stored image ofthe player's ID (such as their driver's license), the attendant mightscan it as indicated herein. As indicated, the attendant may update orprovide such information as the player's full name, address, SocialSecurity number, ID information, email address (in this case, the playermay provide a normal correspondence email address and a separate emailaddress to which their tax forms may be emailed—this might comprise, forexample, a secure email address). As indicated, the attendant mightobtain a preference from the player as to whether they wish to havetheir win forms emailed.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, if the player has elected to have their formsemailed to them, a consent form may be displayed at the attendant device26. The consent form may indicate the terms and conditions that theplayer must accept in order to proceed. As illustrated, in thisembodiment the player may designate or select their own password.

FIG. 5 illustrates the form in FIG. 4 as updated with the player'ssignature. As noted herein, the player might sign via a touch-screen ofthe attendant device 26. The signed form (or at least the player'ssignature) may be captured and transmitted to the jackpot processingserver 28 as detailed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates another graphical interface which may be displayed bythe attendant device 26. This interface may include informationgenerated by the jackpot processing server 28, such as tax withholdinginformation based upon the amount of the jackpot/award and tax rates.This interface may be presented to the player so that they are aware ofthe amount of taxes that will be withheld from the payment to them.Further, the attendant may modify various data.

As indicated herein, the jackpot processing device 28 generates thevarious game win forms. For example, after any modification to the taxwithholding information as illustrated in FIG. 6 and based uponconfirmation of the player information in FIG. 3, the jackpot processingserver 28 would generate various forms, such as an IRS Form W2G and/orother reporting forms.

As indicated herein, the form is secured and then is provided to theplayer, preferably by email. FIG. 7 illustrates one example of an emailto a player which has a secured W2G form attached. In this case, the W2Gform is a PDF form which is password protected.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the player attempts to open the form,they are prompted to provide their password. Having provided theirpassword, the W2G is displayed to the player, as in FIG. 9 (at whichpoint the player may review, print, store, etc., the form).

Additional aspects of the invention will now be described. As indicated,the invention may be implemented relative to a casino system having oneor more gaming machines or other devices for use in presentingwager-based games. As noted, the invention may be applied in a varietyof environments. While the example above referenced a gaming machine 22in a casino, the process may apply to a jackpot awarded at a gamingtable or other device and at locations other than casinos (for example,the process might be applied to a video lottery terminal at which avideo lottery game is played, a terminal at which a game of bingo ispresented, etc.).

One configuration of a gaming machine 22 is illustrated in FIG. 10. Asillustrated, the gaming machine 22 generally comprises a housing orcabinet 126 for supporting and/or enclosing various components requiredfor operation of the gaming machine. In the embodiment illustrated, thehousing 126 includes a door located at a front thereof, the door capableof being moved between an open position which allows access to theinterior, and a closed position in which access to the interior isgenerally prevented. The configuration of the gaming machine 22 mayvary. In the embodiment illustrated, the gaming machine 22 has an“upright” configuration. However, the gaming machine 22 could have otherconfigurations, shapes or dimensions (such as being of a “slant”-type,“bar-top” or other configuration as is well known to those of skill inthe art).

The gaming machine 22 preferably includes at least one display device128 configured to display game information. The display device 128 maycomprise an electronic video display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT),high resolution flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD), projection LCD,plasma display, field emission display, digital micro-mirror display(DMD), digital light processing display (DLP), LCD touchscreen, a lightemitting display (LED) or other suitable displays now known or laterdeveloped, in a variety of resolutions, sizes and formats (e.g. 4:3,widescreen or the like). The display 28 may be capable of projecting ordisplaying a wide variety of information, including images, symbols andother indicia or information associated with game play, game promotionor other events. The gaming machine 22 might include more than onedisplay device 128, such as two or more displays 128 which areassociated with the housing 26. The gaming machine 22 might also includea top box or other portion. Such a top box might include one or moredisplay devices 128, such as in addition to one or more main displayswhich are associated with the housing 126. Also, the gaming machine 22might include side displays (such as mounted to the exterior of thehousing 126) and might include multiple displays of differing sizes.

While the display devices may comprise one or more video displays, (suchas for presenting video poker, video slots or other video-based games)in another embodiment, the gaming machine 22 may include one or morephysical reels capable of displaying game information, such as slotsymbols. In such a configuration, means are provided for rotating thephysical reels. In one or more embodiments, the means may comprise amechanical linkage associated with a spin arm, with movement of the spinarm (a “pull”) by a user causing the reels to spin. In such anarrangement, the reels are generally allowed to free-wheel and thenstop. In another embodiment, electronically controlled mechanisms arearranged to rotate and stop each reel. Such mechanisms are well known tothose of skill in the art. In this arrangement, actuation of the spinarm or depression a spin button causes a controller (not shown) tosignal the activation of the spin mechanism associated with one or moreof the reels. Preferably, the controller is arranged to either turn offthe signal to the device(s) effecting the rotation of each or all of thereels or generates a signal for activating a braking device, whereby thereels are stopped. The principal of such an arrangement is described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 to Telnaes, which is incorporated herein byreference.

As described in more detail below, the gaming machine 22 is preferablyconfigured to present one or more games upon a player making a monetarypayment or wager. In this regard, as described in more detail below, thegaming machine 22 includes a mechanism or means for accepting monetaryvalue.

In one embodiment, certain game outcomes (but preferably not all gameoutcomes) may be designated as winning outcomes (the non-winningoutcomes may be referred to as losing outcomes). Prizes or awards may beprovided for winning outcomes, such as monetary payments (orrepresentations thereof, such as prize of credits), or promotionalawards as detailed herein. As detailed below, the gaming machine 22preferably includes a mechanism or means for returning unused monetaryfunds and/or dispensing winnings to a player. As noted herein, certainawards may require reporting and may require secondary validation inorder to be rewarded.

The gaming machine 22 preferably includes one or more player inputdevices 130 (such as input buttons, plunger mechanisms, a touch-screendisplay, joystick, touch-pad or the like). These one or more devices 130may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play, such as byproviding input or instruction to the gaming machine 22. For example,such input devices 130 may be utilized by a player to place a wager,cause the gaming machine 22 to initiate a game, to indicate cards to beheld or discarded, to “cash out” of the gaming machine, or to providevarious other inputs.

In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 22 includes at least onemicroprocessor or controller for controlling the gaming machine,including receiving player input and sending output signals forcontrolling the various components or peripheral devices of the machine22 (such as generating game information for display by the display 128).The controller may be arranged to receive information regarding fundsprovided by a player to the gaming machine, receive input such as apurchase/bet signal when a purchase/bet button is depressed, and receiveother inputs from a player. The controller may be arranged to generateinformation regarding a game, such as generating game information fordisplay by the at least one display 128 (such as information comprisingdealt or displayed cards, slot symbols, dice or other game indicia), fordetermining winning or losing game outcomes and for displayinginformation regarding awards for winning game outcomes, among otherthings.

The controller may be configured to execute machine readable code or“software” or otherwise process information, such as obtained from aremote server. Software or other instructions may be stored at a memoryor data storage device, e.g. in a fixed or non-transitory configuration.The memory may also store other information or data, such as data storedin table or other forms (including, but not limited to look-up tables,pay tables and other information, including tracked game playinformation). The gaming machine 22 may also include one or more randomnumber generators for generating random numbers (such as implemented bya random number generator software module stored in the memory andexecutable by the processor or controller), such as for use in selectingslot symbols, cards or other game symbols and for presenting the game ina random fashion (e.g. whereby the game is presented in a manner inwhich the player cannot control the outcome) or pseudo-random fashion(e.g. such as where the game includes a skill component which can affectthe outcome of the game).

Preferably, the controller is configured to execute machine readablecode or instructions (e.g. software) which are configured to implementthe game. In this regard, the gaming machine is specially configured topresent the game of the invention via specific software and/or hardwarewhich causes the gaming machine to operate uniquely. For example, thecontroller of the gaming machine 22 may be configured to detect a wager,such as a signal from a player's depressing of the “bet one” button(such as one of the buttons 132). Upon such an event and/or the playerotherwise signaling the gaming machine to present the game, thecontroller may be configured to cause the at least one display 28 todisplay unique information, such as a unique graphical interface orunique game display, including game symbols or other game information(such as graphically represented images of cards, slot symbols, dice,etc.). The controller may accept input from a player of game inputs,such as a request to spin reels or the like, via the one or more playerinput devices of the gaming machine 22. As indicated above, the machinereadable code may be configured in various manners, such as by havingvarious “modules” of software which are designed to implement specificfeatures of the game play or game presentation.

The gaming machine 22 may be configured to generate and present games ina stand-alone manner or it may be in communication with one or moreexternal devices at one or more times. For example, the gaming machine22 may be configured as a server based device and obtain game code orgame outcome information from a remote game server (in which event thegaming machine controller may receive game information from the server,such as game outcome information, and use that server-generatedinformation to present the game at the gaming machine). For example, thegaming machine 22 might be configured as a stand-alone device or as aserver-based device for presenting games as Class III games (as definedby the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) or as a server-based devicefor presenting games as Class II games (as defined by the U.S. IndianGaming Regulatory Act).

As indicated, the gaming machine 22 is configured to present one or morewagering games. The gaming machines 22 is preferably configured toaccept value, such as in the form of coins, tokens, paper currency orother elements or devices representing value such as monetary funds.Thus, as indicated above, the gaming machine 22 preferably includes amechanism or means for accepting monetary value. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 10, the gaming machine 22 might include a coinacceptor 32 for accepting coins. Of course, associated coinreading/verifying devices and coin storage devices may be associatedwith the gaming machine 22 if it is configured to accept coins.Likewise, the gaming machine 22 might include a media reader 134. Such areader may be configured to accept and read/verify paper currency and/orother media such as tickets. Of course, in such event the gaming machine22 may further be configured with one or more paper currency or ticketstorage devices, such as cash boxes, and other paper currency or mediahandling devices (including transport devices).

The gaming machine 22 might also be configured to read FOBs, magneticstripe cards or other media having data associated therewith and viawhich value or funds may be associated with the gaming machine 22. Themechanism for accepting monetary value might also comprise hardwareand/or software which allows a player to transfer (such aselectronically) funds from an account, such as a casino wageringaccount, or a bank or other financial institution account. Such amechanism might include a communication interface which permits thegaming machine to communicate with a mobile phone, PDA, tablet or otherelectronic device of the player (such as via a physical interface orwired or wireless communications links, such as to enable the transferof funds from the player to the gaming machine or system).

When the player associates funds with the gaming machine or anassociated system, a credit balance is generated. The credit balance maycomprise a plurality of monetary value credits. The player may wagersome or all of the associated monetary value, such as by wagering one ormore of the credits associated with the credit balance. For example, theplayer might provide input to a wager button or touch screen interfaceto wager a certain number of credits (such as “Bet 1 Credit”, “Bet 5Credits”, “Bet Maximum Credits” or other options). In one embodiment,when the player's wager is received, the player's credit balance isreduced by the number of wagered credits. The player might then providea separate input to begin the game. In other embodiment, the playermight select a “play game” input, such as by pressing a “spin” button,which input is taken to comprise both an instruction to place a wager(such as of a pre-set or pre-selected number of credits) and to startthe game. Of course, other configurations may be implemented foraccepting monetary value from the player and for allowing the player toplace a wager from the associated monetary value.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 22 is configured to award winningsfor one or more winning wagering game outcomes. Such winnings may berepresented as credits, points or the like. In one embodiment, theplayer may “cash out” and thus remove previously associated funds andany awarded winnings or such may otherwise be paid to the player. Thesewinnings may be associated with the player's credit balance, thusincreasing the player's credit balance. As noted above, certain awards,such as larger awards or “jackpots” (which may be awarded based upon apaytable, a single or multiple game or gaming device progressive jackpotor the like) may only be awarded (either credited or paid via a hand payor other means of payment) if the jackpot is confirmed and associatedreports are generated as in the manner described herein.

In one embodiment, the player may provide an input to the gaming machine22 to indicate their desire to cash out, such as by selecting a “cashout” button (such as implemented via one of the buttons 130) or touchscreen feature or providing other input. In response, a monetary valuerepresented by the player's credit balance or the like is preferablypaid, transferred or otherwise provided to the player. For example, uponan award or at cash-out, associated funds may be paid to the player bythe gaming machine 22 dispensing coins to a coin tray. In anotherembodiment, funds may be issued by dispensing paper currency or othermedia. In yet another embodiment, a player may be issued a media, suchas a printed ticket, which ticket represents the value which was paid orcashed out of the machine. The aspects of gaming machine “ticketing”systems are well known. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No.6,048,269 to Burns, which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference. In yet another embodiment, the cash-out might result in thedispensing of a card or other media which stores or represents thecashed-out funds, such as by writing funds information to a magneticstripe of a card which is inserted into a media writer of the gamingmachine or dispensed from the machine. In other embodiments, thecash-out mechanism may result in the funds value being transferred to anexternal device or account, such as a player's casino account (such asassociated with a casino server), a remote bank or other financialaccount, or an electronic device such as a player's phone, PDA ortablet.

The gaming machine 22 may also include a player tracking device, such asa card reader 166 and associated keypad 170. Such player trackingdevices are well known and may permit the game operator to track play ofplayers of the gaming machine. The tracked play may be utilized to offerplayer bonuses or awards.

A casino may have numerous such gaming machines 22, such as located on acasino floor or in other locations. Of course, such gaming machines 22might be used in other environments, such as an airport, a bar or tavernor other locations.

It will be appreciated that the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 10 isonly exemplary of one embodiment of a gaming machine. For example, it ispossible to for the gaming machine to have various other configurations,including different shapes and styles and having different componentsthan as just described.

The gaming machine 22 may, as noted above, be part of a system whichincludes other devices. For example, the gaming machine 22 maycommunicate with one or more casino systems, such as a player trackingserver or system, an accounting system or server, a ticketing system, abonusing system, a tournament system, other gaming machines, andexternal devices.

The invention may have other configurations than explicitly describedabove. For example, instead of having separate casino and vendorsystems, the functionality described herein may be implemented directlyvia a casino operator via their casino system, or the vendorfunctionality might be integrated into the casino system. Thefunctionality herein may also be implemented relative to other gamingdevices such as gaming tables, keno/bingo systems and the like.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for generating and securely transmittinggaming win reporting forms to a player comprising: a mobile attendantdevice, said attendant device comprising a processor configured toexecute machine readable code, a memory, a display device, at least oneuser input device and machine-readable code stored in said memory; ajackpot processing server comprising a processor configured to executemachine readable code, a memory, a communication interface, and machinereadable code stored in said memory said executable by said processor;said machine readable code of said jackpot processing server configuredto cause said processor thereof to, in response to receiving anindication of an occurrence of a designated game win by a player,collect information regarding said player from a remote source and causesaid mobile attendant device to display one or more game win formsrelating to said game win, said one or more game wins populated withsaid information regarding said player and information regarding saidgame win; said machine readable code of said mobile attendant deviceconfigured to cause said processor thereof to receive a player'ssignature relative to said one or more forms via said at least one userinput device; said machine readable code of said mobile attendant deviceconfigured to cause said processor thereof to transmit confirmation ofsaid one or more win forms to said jackpot processing server; and saidmachine readable code of said jackpot processing server configured tocause said processor thereof to generate a security code from at leastportions of two elements of personal information of said player, tosecure said at least one game win form using said security code and tocause an email to be transmitted to said player having said at least onegame win form associated therewith.
 2. The system in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said information regarding said player is obtained froma casino player tracking account via communication by said jackpotprocessing server with a casino player tracking server.
 3. The system inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said two elements of personalinformation comprise one or more of the player's name, social securitynumber, address and telephone number.
 4. The system in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said processor of said jackpot processing server isconfigured to email said secure gaming win reporting form via an emailapplication executed by said processor.
 5. The system in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said mobile attendant device comprises a hand-heldattendant device.
 6. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein saiduser input device of said mobile attendant device comprises atouch-screen.
 7. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidmachine readable code of said mobile attendant device is configured toreceive input from an attendant of additional information regarding saidplayer.
 8. The system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said additionalinformation comprises identity information.
 9. A method for generatingand securely transmitting gaming win reporting forms to a playercomprising the steps of: generating, at a jackpot processing server, agaming win reporting form in response to a gaming win by a player;displaying said gaming win reporting form at a mobile attendant deviceoperated by an attendant; receiving a signature by said player relativeto said gaming win reporting form via said mobile attendant device;storing said gaming win reporting form and said player's signature in adatabase associated with said jackpot processing server; generating asecurity code at said jackpot processing server based upon at least twoelements of personal information regarding said player; securing said atleast one gaming win reporting form using said security code; andtransmitting said secured gaming win reporting form to said player viaemail.
 10. The method in accordance with claim 9 further comprisingreceiving notification of a gaming win at said jackpot processing serverand said jackpot processing server causing said mobile attendant deviceto display said gaming win reporting form.
 11. The method in accordancewith claim 10 further comprising said jackpot processing servercollecting information regarding said player from a secondary source andcausing said mobile attendant device to display said gaming winreporting form populated with said information regarding said player.12. The method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said secondary sourcecomprises a player tracking system.
 13. The method in accordance withclaim 12 wherein said player tracking system comprises a player trackingserver and a player tracking database of player information.
 14. Themethod in accordance with claim 11 wherein said at least two elements ofpersonal information regarding said player are selected from saidinformation regarding said player.
 15. The method in accordance withclaim 14 wherein said at least two elements of personal informationcomprise one or more of: player name, player Social Security number,player phone number, player address, and player email address.
 16. Themethod in accordance with claim 10 wherein said step of securingcomprises password protecting said gaming win reporting form with saidsecurity code.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 10 furthercomprising receiving input from said attendant of secondary informationregarding said player to said mobile attendant device.
 18. The method inaccordance with claim 17 further comprising associating said secondaryinformation with said gaming win processing form.
 19. The method inaccordance with claim 10 wherein said gaming win processing formcomprises one or more of a W2G form and a jackpot payment receipt. 20.The method in accordance with claim 10 wherein said step of receivingsaid signature comprises receiving said signature via a touch-screen ofsaid mobile attendant device and associating said signature with saidgaming win reporting form.